英語のパンフ
Explore the Ishinomaki Area: Cat Island, Coastal Nature, and Deep Local Encounters
Just 1 hour from Sendai. Discover untouched islands, rich manga culture, and relaxing hot springs.
Download Full PDF Guide (English)Welcome to the coastal region of Miyagi Prefecture. Easily accessible from Sendai, this area offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural scenery, unique pop culture, and the warm hospitality of local communities. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, historical insights, or just a relaxing soak in a hot spring, the Ishinomaki area has something for every traveler.
Island Hopping & Spectacular Nature
1. Tashirojima (Cat Island)
Tashirojima is a quaint island off the beautiful Oshika Peninsula. It is a barely inhabited island full of wild moggies which are said to be a source of good luck. Visitors will also find a cat shrine near the center of the island.
Location: Tashirohama, Ishinomaki
🎥 Recommended Video Guide
Planning a visit? We highly recommend watching this quick guide! It shows you exactly how to get to the island and gives a great sneak peek at the famous "Manga Lodge" where you can stay.
2. Kinkasan (Island)
The picturesque Kinkasan can be found just off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. Deer roam freely here and the island hosts the spiritual Koganeyama Shrine where visitors can stay. Isolated, magnificently tranquil and sacred, Kinkasan is the perfect spot for some sanctuary. 
5. Mt. Otakamori
Renowned as the crown jewel of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, the panorama from Mount Otakamori offers an unforgettable sweeping view of Matsushima Bay, Mount Kurikoma, and Kinka Island. Immersed in untouched wilderness, this is the ultimate viewpoint. Simply put, you cannot truly say you have seen Matsushima without standing here and taking in this majestic landscape.
Location: Otakamori Miyato, Higashimatsushima
🎥 Experience the Breathtaking Drone View
Want to see the magic before you visit? Watch this stunning drone footage capturing the "Sokan" (grand view) of Matsushima Bay directly from the top of Mount Otakamori. It perfectly shows why this pristine, untouched landscape is an absolute must-see!
Pop Culture & History
8. Ishinomori Manga Museum
Dedicated to the life and works of the legendary local manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, this museum has been recently renewed and completely powered up! Featuring exclusive screenings, dynamic 3D displays of original drawings, and special events throughout the year, the experience has been taken to a whole new level.
A true manga otaku will instantly recognize and appreciate the deep, immersive fun this upgraded sanctuary has to offer.
Location: 2-7 Nakaze, Ishinomaki
🎥 Inside the Upgraded Exhibits
Curious about what kind of amazing exhibits await inside? Watch this video to get a sneak peek at the newly powered-up displays!
10. Miyagi Sant Juan Bautista Museum
Not long before the introduction of sakoku (national isolation), Japan was open to trade with the West. In the early 1600s, one of the country's first Japanese-built Western-style sailing ships, the Sant Juan Bautista, was crafted by the legendary Date Masamune in Ishinomaki and crossed the oceans on diplomatic missions.
This museum showcases the fascinating history of this epic voyage, hosting a replica alongside documents and artifacts from the period. It's an absolute essential for history buffs!
Location: Omori-30-2 Watanoha, Ishinomaki
🎥 Discover the Samurai Ship
Curious about what a 17th-century Japanese-built galleon looks like? Check out this video for a closer look at the majestic Sant Juan Bautista and the museum's fascinating historical exhibits!
Relaxation & Local Life
9. Onagawa Onsen Yupoppo
Part of the Onagawa Station complex, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this hot spring is decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the nearby Kinkasan island area. It's a lovely way to start or complete a thoroughly relaxing experience in Onagawa.
🎥 Step Inside the Relaxing Hot Spring
Curious about the atmosphere inside? Watch this quick video to see the beautiful tile murals and the soothing baths waiting for you right at Onagawa Station. The perfect place to unwind!
Getting Here & Map
From Sendai: Take the Senseki-Tohoku Line (Fastest). Sendai to Ishinomaki takes just 57 minutes, and it's 90 minutes to Onagawa.
Save the spots below to your smartphone to easily navigate during your trip!
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